CASE STUDY: Delivering Success – Intermodal disruptions, Why a nimble logistics network is key

When Intermodal Disruptions Hit, Supply Chain Agility Matters

Intermodal transportation continues to grow in popularity as businesses look for more cost effective and environmentally responsible ways to move freight. By combining rail and truck, shippers can reduce emissions, manage costs, and diversify their supply chains.

However, while intermodal plays a key role in a resilient supply chain, it is only effective when supported by a carrier that can pivot quickly when conditions change. Disruptions can happen without warning, and when they do, agility becomes critical.

The Challenge: Rail Disruption at the Port of Vancouver

Imagine having 150 containers moving toward the Port of Vancouver, scheduled to transfer onto rail for delivery into Alberta. Everything is planned, timed, and allocated.

Then the unexpected happens.

A disruption in the rail network brings train movement to a standstill. Containers sit idle in the rail yard with no clear timeline for when service will resume. Meanwhile, storefronts begin to feel the impact as inventory levels drop. Perishable products edge closer to their best before dates. Demurrage fees start to accumulate, and every hour of delay adds risk and cost.

This is the moment when a flexible transportation partner makes the difference.

The Bison Solution: Pivoting from Rail to Truck

When our customer reached out, Bison was able to respond immediately.

Leveraging our asset based fleet and extensive Western Canadian network, Bison dispatched trucks directly to the Vancouver rail yard. Containers were mounted onto chassis and quickly transitioned from rail to over the road transportation.

From there, Bison drivers moved the freight through the mountain corridors and delivered it directly to the distribution center in Alberta. Once unloaded, the empty containers were returned to the rail yard, helping the customer avoid costly demurrage charges.

At the same time, Bison added capacity to support the movement of inventory throughout the customer’s retail network. Freight that was originally planned to move by rail continued to flow, keeping shelves stocked and operations running.

The Result: On Time Delivery and Cost Avoidance

Because Bison had the equipment, drivers, and network capacity available, the entire shipment was delivered on time despite the rail disruption.

This agile response helped the customer avoid lost sales, product expiry, and mounting fees. Most importantly, it kept their supply chain moving when it mattered most.

Why Supply Chain Flexibility Matters

Intermodal transportation delivers real value, but resilience comes from having options. The ability to shift between modes quickly protects service levels and reduces risk when disruptions occur.

Bison supports intermodal strategies with a full range of trucking solutions, giving customers the confidence that their freight will keep moving even when plans change.

A Partner Built for Change

At Bison, we design custom transportation solutions that balance efficiency, sustainability, and reliability. Our network is built to adapt, allowing us to respond quickly to unexpected challenges across Western Canada and beyond. To learn more about how Bison can support your intermodal strategy and create a custom supply chain solution, visit request a quote today.